Midnight Fire Concentration Camp

[Danica's POV]

February 2nd, 1979

The Day It All Began...

Papa Mackie woke me up early that morning, claiming that there was someplace we were to visit.

At only ten, I didn't think much of it. So, I got up and quickly dressed as the excitement of the trip rushed through me.

I wasn't the only child to be picked for this trip, Sanders and Rosette were chosen to go as well.

Once we were all finished getting ready, Papa Mackie loaded us into a carriage that was waiting outside the orphanage. Once inside, we began our journey.

I vaguely remember the way now, but I remember going deep through the forest leading far away from the small town we lived in. We continued on until the terrain turned rocky and the smell of salt and brime began to fill the air.

After what felt like hours, we arrived at a small fishing village. The men that worked along the docks we were led down seemed rough and glared at us if we dared to even take a glance.

Despite our growing hesitancy, Papa Mackie continued to lead us until we found ourselves standing in front of a small wooden boat with a single passenger that held the ores in both hands.

We waited on the dock while Papa Mackie spoke with the man. Then we loaded onto the boat one by one. 

Papa Mackie didn't go with us past that point. It was just me, Sanders, and Rosette. 

I believe it was at that point that I realized something wasn't right. But since we were already in the middle of the warf, there was no running away.

Dropping the diary in front of me, I looked at Mason as my heart hammered in my chest.

"How could someone do something like that to a child?" I stammered.

Images of Bryllie's smiling face and what my unborn child would look like flashed before my eyes.

"Maybe you shouldn't read anymore for the night." Mason suggested, nuzzling his face against my neck.

"Maybe."

I knew that he was right. I didn't need to be causing myself extreme emotions, especially so close to my due date. I knew that. However, I couldn't stop my mind from wondering what came next.

"Why don't we get some sleep?" Mason continued in response to my silence. "We can read a little each day, so it isn't too overwhelming.

"Alright." 

There was no point in arguing. It wasn't like I had to read the entire thing in one sitting. I was also pretty exhausted from the day and my pregnancy.

"Then let's go to sleep." I sighed, placing my mother's diary on the bedside table and lying down. "Come cuddle."

Holding out my arms, I waited for Mason to lay down and snuggle against me before closing my eyes and allowing myself to drift away.

The smell of eggs wafted into the sun-filled room, rousing me from my sleep, letting a smile play across my face as memories of the first time Mason cooked for me appeared.

Letting a contented yawn escape me, I made to move, but stopped as my eyes found their way to my mother's diary.

"Don't even think about it."

Snapping my gaze forward, I watched Mason and Bryllie enter the room, carrying plates of eggs and glasses of milk.

"My queen is not to stress herself first thing in the morning." 

"Mommy!" Bryllie beamed, rushing forward. "Daddy and I made you breakfast in bed!"

Smiling, I waited until Bryllie climbed onto the bed and snuggled up beside me before wrapping my arms around her.

"You've done wonderful." I murmured, kissing the top of her hair. "Mommy is very proud."

"How about baby brother?" Bryllie asked, placing her ear against my stomach. "He appreciates our gesture too, right?"

As if he understood his sister's question, the baby gave a strong kick, causing Bryllie to fall backwards from shock.

"Hey!" She growled, flashing her canines. "Just wait til you aren't in Mommy's belly anymore!"

Letting out a laugh, I reached out to pat Bryllie's head, but stopped as a boom shook the entire building.

Eyes widening, I pulled Bryllie to me as the room around us began to violently shake.

"What's going on?" I asked Mason as another boom sounded.

"I think we are under attack," Mason hissed.

"You and Bryllie get down to the bomb shelter!"

"What about you?"

How could Mason even think I would hide during a situation like this?

"Mommy, what's happening?" Bryllie whimpered.

Feeling my heart tug, I put on a smile, pulling her close to me.

"Don't worry, mommy and daddy are going to fix it."

Nodding, Bryllie tried to put on a brave face as the large bay window overlooking the grounds in our room exploded.

Cursing, I dove forward, pulling Bryllie to the ground with me as glass began to fly towards us.

"Danica!" Mason hissed. "You have to be careful!"

"How cute."

Tensing, I slowly looked up from my daughter to meet the golden eyes of an apparition.

"Don't look so displeased to see me." Rebecca pouted. "It hurts my feelings since I came all this way to see you."

There was only a bed separating us from the harpie, and by the look in her eyes, I knew that she was ready to pounce.

"Why are you here?" I growled, feeling my aura begin to radiate.

If this bitch thought she was going to be able to get anywhere near my family, she was dead wrong.

"I can't come to visit my friend?" Rebecca asked, cocking her head.

As she spoke, a vicious smile spread across her face. Before I could process the look, the rest of the walls around us exploded, sending me flying towards Mason, leaving Bryllie out in the open entirely.

"BRYLLIE!" I screamed as Mason helped steady me. "LET GO!"

With wide eyes, I watched Rebecca lift the bed that was separating her and Bryllie and throw it out of the way. 

"MASON SHE IS GOING TO TAKE BRYLLIE!"

"I won't let her." Mason assured, releasing me and surging forward.

He never got the chance to get near Bryllie before he was thrown to the side by a ball of light that seemed to fall from the sky itself. 

"No," I shrieked, scrambling to get up as Rebecca bent down and scooped Bryllie into her arms. "STAY AWAY FROM HER!"

"Say, bye bye mommy." Rebecca giggled as Bryllie's eyes grew wide and then fluttered shut.

"BRYLLIE!"

In a flash of blinding light and smoke, Rebecca disappeared, taking Bryllie with her